I’m finally fitting in some writing time, and I’ve just finished my latest article.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on maintaining small business websites.  Let me know what you think!

The Lindsay Lohan Approach to Website Management

By Dana Wallert 

As we’ve all witnessed, maintaining anything, be it sobriety, sanity or search engine rankings takes consistency and dedication.  You may have had an awesome website when you launched it five years ago, but gradually you’ve seen your traffic, earnings and search engine rankings falling.  So is the answer to send your entire site to rehab once everything goes wrong?

Simply put, no.   There are many things you can do on a regular basis to make sure you’re staying on the right track.

Make sure you update the information on your website as you do with any other marketing information.  If you’ve stopped selling a certain product or service, make sure your website reflects that.  Similarly, if you add services or products make sure you are showcasing those on your site.

Also, having a news section or even better a blog that you update regularly with any news, latest projects, tips or other information relevant to your business is a great way to make sure your site is staying fresh to readers and to the search engines!

Likewise, make sure you are maximizing any relationships you have with online and offline partners or groups.  If you belong to the Chamber of Commerce in your town, make sure that your website is listed in any directories, and especially make sure they add a link to your listing in any online directory.  The same goes for any other industry or local business groups you belong to.  A lot of people have belonged to these type of organizations for years before they even had a website, so make sure you have updated any and all places where you are already listed.   Equally, always include your website on any membership applications or directory listings that you submit in the future.

In the same way, any forums or blogs you consistently read will usually allow you to list your website in your profile or in some form in the comments you leave.  Think of your website address as your online AmEx…don’t leave home without it.  The more references (links) to your site that appear across the internet the more important and relevant the search engines determine you to be.  They will reward you with higher rankings for related keyword searches.

So as you can see, the key to managing your website is really to stay on top of it.  Pick up good simple habits, and your website will continue to serve you well!  There are Promises-like website design firms that can take your website at its rock-bottom and completely rehab it, but by proactively managing your site you can save yourself a lot of time and money.  So please, commit to your site’s success, and remember to take your website management one day at a time!

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